Ho-Ho-Kus May 16, 2012 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • Page 9 Animal officer seeking ordinance by Jennifer Crusco Carol Tyler, animal control officer for the Borough of Ho-Ho-Kus, recently requested that the Ho-Ho-Kus Council pass an ordinance regarding dogs on school property. A school board resolution now prohibits dogs from being present on school property, which includes Lloyd Field and the North Field. However, Tyler told the council she is looking for an ordinance that would have more teeth than the current “failure to curb” regulation, which does not address the issue and carries a $50 fine. At the last council session, Councilman Steve Shell asked Tyler what constitutes school property. Tyler responded that she is looking at North Field, which is owned by the board of education, Lloyd Field, and the school lawns and parking lots on Lloyd Road. The sidewalks are not school property, and Tyler noted that a dog is considered “curbed” if it is on the grass between the sidewalk and the curb. In an interview conducted after the council meeting, a school official explained that the board of education’s regulation against dogs on school property is intended to enhance the safety of the students. The official noted that dogs have the potential to bite and to leave droppings. Tyler indicated that she has been asked to enforce the rule to keep dogs off school property, and she has issued warnings, but there have been cases in which dog droppings were left on the field. Tyler noted that some pet owners have long leashes for their animals, and dogs can jump on people, especially during the excitement generated by a sporting event. “The school has a regulation, but the town should act,” Tyler told Villadom TIMES. “I would like to be able to write a summons for repeat offenders – and for the right thing: No dogs are allowed on any property controlled by the school board.” Emily from Ho-Ho-Kus and her friend learn about dental hygiene at Rainbow Corners Nursery School, Waldwick. Donna Delventhal, a hygienist, told the class how to care for their teeth using a very friendly dinosaur. Smile!